kate meghan
Kate Middleton, on the left at St Luke's Community Centre on March 22, 2018 in London, and Meghan Markle, at Cardiff Castle on Jan. 18, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales. Ben Bircall/Paul Edwards/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle share a complicated relationship.

The Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex are often pitted against each other. According to Us Weekly, Middleton and Markle have a complex relationship.

Initially, many were hoping that Markle and Middleton would be close friends because both married a royal prince and they are close in age. However, they didn’t become best friends, but they had a good start.

A source said that when Prince Harry introduced the former “Suits” star to his family, Markle was very happy and even prepared a present for her sister-in-law. Markle gave Middleton a Smythson planner on her birthday and the future queen was very touched by Markle’s gift.

When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s engagement was announced, Middleton gave a positive response. The royal mom of three said that it was “wonderful getting to know Meghan” and she was pleased to see Prince Harry and Markle happy together.

On Dec. 25, 2017, the fab four made their first joint appearance in public at the royal family’s annual Christmas church service at Sandringham. When Middleton was still expecting Prince Louis, Markle would visit her and even shared tips about healthy eating.

There was a blossoming friendship between Prince William and Prince Harry’s wives. However, the first signs of trouble between the two duchesses started during Princess Charlotte’s dress fitting for Prince Harry and Markle’s royal wedding. Markle reportedly left Middleton in tears.

In 2018, there were rumors that the Cambridges and Sussexes were already feuding. However, Middleton and Markle made an effort to show a united front for the cameras when they did their second Christmas walk together. On the outing, body language expert Judi James said that Middleton exerted more effort into their display of friendship.

In related news, Markle is reportedly aware of Middleton being the future queen and she is not competing with her sister-in-law despite the alleged rivalry between them. Markle and Prince Harry are not spending Christmas with the royal family and a source said that their alleged rift with Prince William was the main reason behind their decision.